BACOLOD City – The Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. (BGFI) formally launched its major MassKara arts competitions on Tuesday, September 9, in partnership with the Art Association of Bacolod-Negros (AAB-N) and the Camera Club of Negros.
AAB-N president Tey Sevilleno said the association is celebrating its 50th year, describing the milestone as a testament to resilience, creativity, and the unifying power of art. She also paid tribute to the legacy of the late Ely Santiago and the group’s pioneering members, whose vision helped transform MassKara into the iconic “festival of smiles.”
“Through the universal language of art, we honor our beginnings while celebrating the vibrance of Bacolod’s present and future,” Sevilleno said.
To mark its golden year, AAB-N is presenting three major art events designed to honor the festival’s roots and inspire new generations of artists.
These include the On-the-Spot MassKara Painting Competition, now on its 4th year, which is open to all Bacolodnon artists and made more inclusive with BGFI’s support in providing materials; the MassKara Making Contest, a creative homage to the first paper-mâché masks, where designers will be challenged to craft unique pieces with base masks and financial assistance provided; and the MassKara Mask-Higante Puppets Competition, which marks the much-awaited return of giant puppets and introduces the first-ever contest with the theme “Toto kag Inday sa MassKara,” symbolizing children as the heart of the future.
Sevilleno also announced a landmark collaboration with the Camera Club of Negros to build a digital archive of MassKara’s visual history, preserving how Bacolod turned trials into triumphs and smiles into symbols of strength.
In line with this, Camera Club board member Dr. Ronel Sario launched the MassKara Photo Contest 2025, which will highlight the festival spirit through three categories: Highlights, featuring Electric MassKara, street and arena dance competitions, and other group performances; Sectoral Events, which will capture the inclusivity of the festival through activities for persons with disability (PWDs) and senior citizens; and Street Stories (Freestyle), featuring candid and creative shots of Bacolodnons and visitors as they embrace the festival spirit.
Cash prizes await winners: P20,000, P15,000, and P10,000 for the Highlights category; P15,000, P10,000, and P5,000 for Sectoral Events; and P15,000, P10,000, and P5,000 for Street Stories.
Participants must register with a fee of P1,500, which includes an exclusive MassKara Photographer’s Kit and an all-access pass to festival grounds and events—giving photographers front-row opportunities to capture iconic moments.
The contest is open not only to professionals but also to hobbyists, students, and enthusiasts using DSLRs, mirrorless, film, or even mobile phones. Winning entries will be exhibited publicly and may be featured in the upcoming Bacolod MassKara Museum, ensuring that the golden smiles of 2025 are preserved for future generations.
To kick off the festivities, the Camera Club of Negros will open “Hinumdum: MassKara Through the Years” on September 15 at SM Bacolod. The exhibition will feature archival and contemporary images, tracing the evolution of the MassKara Festival from its humble beginnings to its status today as one of the country’s most celebrated cultural events./PN
